Junkman

Interweb. Google Shizuoka Hobby Show 2015 and click on images.

Oops. Probably need new glasses.

Aye. And sod open bodies. This needs the laughing Indian touch:

I'm not sure what they are. I can't read Japanese.

This is how most of us built kits 25 years ago. Today I call them "Circus Tractors". Don't 'restore' it. Stand by it, cherish it and build another one from a new kit.

Which model did you start with?

That Kellner Hispano had this kind of canework: It was a paste, meticulously and painstakingly applied by hand with a tube. Here is a sample:

Ironically, it was the third-best selling Corgi model of all times, right after the 007 Aston and the Landrover.

I think those relatively recent Fujimi kits did pretty well.

That Boso Kenmary copcar is just too cool. Order duly placed. Will go nicely with that Seibu Keisatsu Safari rig.

Yeah, but it might show through if I want to brush paint it.

Now that would be wicked.

Also note that the left rear wheel was usually slightly sooty after a while, because of the side exhaust. This was even more obvious after the switch to unleaded petrol. It would be a nice thing to replicate for those who want to give the model a used look.

It's the Nissan Safari mobile command unit and tank trailer from the 1980s Japanese television series Seibu Keisatsu. It was a slightly sci fi police action series. They also had a fleet of specially equipped Skyline RS Turbos and a golden 280 ZX with gullwing doors.

Is that all? No daft Bosuzoku chod from Aoshima or Fujimi?

First and foremost, it's a different scale.

One of the most inspirational books I know is the Model Car, Truck and Motorcycle Handbook by Robert Schleicher. Despite it is 1978 vintage, it has a lot of useful tips for the low budget modeller and some photos that must be seen to be believed, especially considering the time it was written. It's available second hand: http://www.amazon.com/Model-Car-Truck-Motorcycle-Handbook/dp/0801966264/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431726589&sr=1-3&keywords=robert+schleicher+model+car

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